Gunmen kill former traditional ruler in Anambra

Gunmen yesterday murdered the former traditional ruler of Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area, Alex Edozieuno, and his driver, simply identified as Chukwuemeka.

According to sources from the community, both men were said to have been ambushed along Aguleri Ayamelum road, Otuocha.

The former monarch was among the 12 traditional rulers dethroned last year by Governor Willie Obiano for travelling to Abuja with an oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze, to see President Muhammadu Buhari without authorisation by the state government.

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Office, Ikenga Tochukwu, said the Commissioner of Police, Tony Olofu, has ordered investigation on the matter.

The PPRO said Olofu had led a team of police operatives to the scene of the murder. He described the incident as man’s inhumanity to man and ordered immediate investigation to the incident.

He added, “Preliminary investigation reveals that the victims, one Mr Alex Edozieuno, 62yr-old, a former traditional ruler of Nkpunado community, Anambra East LGA and his driver Chukwuemeka (other names yet to be identified) were attacked by suspected gunmen by 10am along Ezu Bridge, Otuocha.

“The exhibits recovered from the scene include; one Lexus 470 with Reg No Aguleri-1, belonging to the victim and some expended ammunition.

“Meanwhile the bodies have been deposited to the Mortuary. Further development shall be communicated.”